Box making Curved Front Box #7: Veneer work recommences

Well after my brain methane discharge I spent the rest of the evening and early morning considering my options.

First up I must thank all those who provided all the feedback.

You would not think a simple task could stump you completely.

Thank You all.

So with renewed vigour and confidence bright and early I made some cardboard templates to get the veneer dilemma on a roll.

Out with the squares and measured off two strips using some craft cardboard I use as lining backs.

Then set to ensuring I had enough overlap and set to marking out the sections I wanted to use

They are a bit hard to see but I have matched the templates up as accurately as possiblethe left or right rear edge will be reproduced across the two swatches.

The lid top being so big will have to be joined at the back edge to maintain the effect

The chalk shows the approximate cut lines with the furthest right hand edge of both “bookmatched” to flow from one sheet to the other, or that’s my intention.

Veneering Pressing

I cut the sections ready to go into the veneer press.

After dusting it off I then added the veneer sections firstly spraying them with a secret formula to soften them and added paper towel in between each piece.

Put the top on added the washers spacers and nuts and clamped them up

A bit like tensioning a cylinder head tightening them up at opposing threads and the with a spanner give them all a final tweak, its simply a matter of applying even pressure with your hand as the torque wrench, you would be surprised how consistent and accurate it is.

But to make sure a check on the sides will reveal any abnormal bowing.

And final you may notice a red line? well when I made the press I used a speed brace to do up the nuts and although its 30mm laminated particle board, A recycled kitchen bench off cut I manage to produce a stress crack.

Hence the reminder instructions

The tightening up sequence for those who forget !!

The accessories kit:

Veneer softener, don’t buy this stuff already prepared it costs a bomb for some reason, $28 for 500mL

The secret formula H2O and Glycerine 90 % water 10 % glycerine.

A bottle from the chemist 100ml and then just hit your closest water tap